Good evening. Here is the Friday, February 16 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
President Čaputová will sign Criminal Code changes, but will also challenge them in court
President Zuzana Čaputová during a press conference on February 16, 2024. (source: TASR)
The governing coalition in Slovakia, consisting of Smer, Hlas and the Slovak National Party (SNS), last week passed a controversial legal amendment that has attracted widespread criticism. It will abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor, reduce penalties for financial crimes, and shorten the statute of limitations for crimes such as rape.
Today, President Zuzana Čaputová, despite expressing profound opposition to the changes, decided not to veto the amendment, opting instead to sign it and instead allow for a constitutional challenge.
The more conventional approach by a dissenting president would be to veto the law, but that would allow the ruling coalition to delay a vote to override her veto – for which it has the numbers in parliament – until the last minute, thus allowing no opportunity for a meaningful appeal. Instead, Čaputová has chosen to bet on a constitutional review.
Čaputová seems to be hoping that the Constitutional Court will suspend the law before it becomes effective. If the legislation's numerous changes to statutes of limitations were to come into effect for even one day they would irrevocably affect – and in many cases, effectively end – a large number of ongoing criminal cases.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Politics: Igor Matovič's last-minute entry into the presidential race may have put a dent in Ivan Korčok's overall support, although the latter is now almost level-pegging with Peter Pellegrini, a new poll suggests.
Culture: Two Irish celebrities explored various attractions in Bratislava, but on differing budgets, as part of High Road, Low Road, a TV travel show.
Sports: ""You can have talent, but without hard work, it's not going to last for long. You have to be disciplined," says triathlete Richard Varga.
Weekend: Nigerian rapper Kolo Gana makes a beat out of a Slovak folk song, drops a hit. Get ready for the weekend with the rapper and The Slovak Spectator.
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FEATURE STORY FOR WEEKEND
Escape to nature's wonderland – Jánošíkove Diery
A narrow ravine in the Dolné Diery. (source: Matúš Beňo)
What could make your weekend better than a hike? Experience the ultimate weekend getaway with a hike through the breathtaking Jánošíkove Diery: gorges and ravines nestled in the Malá Fatra mountain range near Terchová, Slovakia.
Slovakia has a lot to offer and the Jánošíkove Diery are proof of that. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls and rock formations.
Why is it called Janošíkove? The name recalls a legendary figure of Slovak folklore, Jánošík, who is often compared to Robin Hood. In winter, the Horné Diery section offers an adrenaline rush with snow and ice-covered terrains and rushing water underfoot. The attraction is accessible as a day-trip from Bratislava, via train to Žilina then bus to Terchová, and offers a unique experience in every season.
To find out more, read Matúš Beňo's description on The Slovak Spectator website.
EVNT FOR THE WEEKEND
An extravaganza on ice
Ice Carnival, with little superheroes included. (source: FB Jumping Joe)
It's carnival time in Slovakia, and what could be more thrilling than a carnival on ice? Gather your children, younger siblings, or family members for an unforgettable experience on the ice.
Come to a traditional event organised by the Bratislava - Nové Mesto district in collaboration with the ice-skating school Jumping Joe. Ice Carnival will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:00 at the training rink of the Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium. Admission is free.
The organisers have prepared competitions and prizes for the most creative masks and costumes. If you happen to come without a mask, no worries: face painting will be available. For those who can't skate, Jumping Joe coaches will teach you some first steps on skates. For those with some experience, they can help you brush up your forgotten skating skills.
In other news
Premier Robert Fico criticised President Zuzana Čaputová's decision to refer the government's criminal law amendment to the Constitutional Court instead of using her veto power. Fico accused Čaputová of prioritising opposition interests over correcting the law's details. He referred to Čaputová as a "tool of the media and NGOs" and expressed concern about a potential court ruling. Fico reiterated that the amendment aims to prevent what he called "human rights violations" that, according to him, occurred with the assistance of the Special Prosecutor's Office from 2020 to 2023. He said the coalition was committed to ensuring that the new legislation takes effect.
Sloboda a Solidarita (SaS) MP Vladimíra Marcinková has reached out to EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, who is responsible for media freedom, and to the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, informing them about coalition attacks on journalists. She highlighted comments from Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, who reportedly tried to influence which presenter would front a political debate on TV. Marcinková emphasised the importance of protecting journalists from harassment and intimidation, emphasising that public media should not become a propaganda tool.
Another SaS MP, Alojz Hlina, criticised the Agriculture Ministry for using snow as an excuse to withhold payments to farmers. Hlina, speaking in front of the Agricultural Payment Agency (PPA) building in Bratislava, highlighted that only about 40 percent of direct payments to farmers have been made, with the remaining 60 percent pending. He questioned the ministry's reasoning, including the claim that controls need to be conducted, stating that there was hardly any snow this winter, challenging the validity of the official excuse. Hlina even brought a snowplough to symbolise the need to "create snow" for the government's snow-related excuse. (TASR)
Slovakia's political parties are currently discussing their candidate lists for the upcoming European Parliament elections. Hlas says it is focusing on the presidential election but plans to present candidates for the European Parliament elections soon. The Slovensko movement (formerly OĽaNO) is yet to reveal its candidate list. KDH says it will decide on its candidates on February 17, and the Aliancia party on February 24. The far-right People's Party Our Slovakia (ĽSNS) is in the preparation stage for its candidate list. (TASR)
WEATHER FOR SATURDAY
Saturday promises to be most cloudy or overcast, but with clear skies in the east early in the day. By evening, cloud will start to clear from the west. Some isolated fog is possible in the morning. Locally, especially in the north, rain or showers can be expected. The highest daytime temperatures will range from 7°C to 12°C (SHMÚ).
FEBRUARY 17 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Miloslava.
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